Meat market read, Thursday, June 25, 2026

Loin, bottom sirloin flap at 768¢/lb has shed 119¢/lb on the week and outside skirt dropped another 138¢/lb on the session, both cuts confirming the middle-meat and plate complex is giving back its seasonal run with the forward history on outside skirt projecting another 115¢/lb lower over the next four weeks. The carcass is splitting cleanly: middle meats and plate are unwinding while the grind lane is running in the opposite direction. Ground beef 73% at 395¢/lb has added 35¢/lb on the week and the forward history here turns negative, suggesting this month's squeeze has nearly priced in the tight-cow, import-gap story. That gap is real. With the forward kill 9.7% below year-ago, lean grind supply stays pinched even as this week's thin beef loads and a softening Choice cutout signal demand isn't chasing. Cattle on Feed prints tomorrow afternoon, and a fresh placement deficit would deepen the supply case that's already holding the grind complex firm.

meatread.com